Laboratory:
The Montana Forensic Science Division laboratory is accredited with the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). The continuation of accreditation was granted by ANAB in 2019 and fulfills the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ANAB forensic science testing and calibration laboratories accreditation requirements. ANAB provides accreditation in a variety of aspects in the United States and internationally.
The laboratory was originally accredited in 2005 by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB). In 2011, the laboratory successfully adopted the International Testing requirements ISO 17025:2005 and ASCLD/LAB International Supplemental Requirements.
Laboratory accreditation is a continuing process that involves several audits that review and evaluate management practices, personnel qualifications, technical procedures, quality assurance programs, and facilities. Forensic laboratory accreditation is voluntary but is required to receive some federal funding. The following disciplines fall under this accreditation: Toxicology, Breath Alcohol, Chemical Analysis, Firearms/Toolmarks, Latent Prints, and Biology.
Laboratory or calibration reports will be formatted in accordance with the laboratory’s policies, and information not provided per accreditation requirements will be retained and available upon request. This information is outlined on the DOJ FSD website under “Simplified Reports.”
Scope of Accreditation (Breath Alcohol) PDF
ANSI National Accreditation Board
Medical Examiner Office:
As of December 2020, the Montana Forensic Science Division Medical Examiner Office (MEO) is accredited with the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME). NAME provides accreditation for medicolegal death investigation systems in the United States and internationally. Accreditation is a continuing process that involves audits and re-verification of autopsy practices and procedures, personnel qualifications, and facilities.